UPM Raflatac

Recycling label waste with RafCycle

RafCycle™ by UPM Raflatac is the original label release liner recycling service.
 

Recycling label waste made simple with RafCycle

The simple act of recycling release liner can support your climate targets. The global waste issue is real, with the linear use of materials contributing to climate change. Brands and converters are facing pressure from tightening sustainability regulations and shifting consumer preferences.

Label release liner remains an under-addressed waste stream globally, with low recycling rates worldwide. With RafCycle, your company can help foster a circular economy while meeting compliance requirements and the demands of sustainably conscious customers. Join our growing network of partners committed to advancing towards circularity alongside us.

 

Benefits of recycling label waste with RafCycle

Sustainable & circular

Easy to operate

Cost efficient

Brand & business value

 

RafCycle stands as the original label release liner recycling service, streamlining label waste management and bolstering the circular economy. Through the process of label waste collection, label backing paper recycling and PET film recycling, these materials are transformed into new resources, embracing sustainability and giving them a new life. Recognized for its cost efficiency, transparency, seamless implementation, and localized partner support, RafCycle offers a comprehensive solution.

RafCycle is a valuable tool to help you achieve your sustainability goals and create compelling marketing stories, demonstrating your commitment to the circular economy. By becoming a RafCycle partner, you are collaborating across the value chain to create a more sustainable labeling industry.

 
 

How recycling label waste supports resource efficiency

Based on paper-to-paper recycling, assuming a yield of 75% in pulp manufacturing. This pulp avoids the use of chemical pulp in the paper making process.

The use of paper release liner as a raw material in cellulose wadding for insulation substitutes the use of fiberglass.

 

How does RafCycle work?

See your local RafCycle process below.

 

RafCycle is label release liner recycling at its easiest. Keep your release PET or paper liner waste in the circular economy by diverting it from incineration or landfill.

 

Three easy steps for release liner recycling​

  1. Collect your label release liner waste in the specified quantity. Ensure it is free from contaminants such as labels, adhesives, foreign plastics, cardboard, and cores.
  2. Once you've amassed the agreed-upon amount of waste, simply notify us. We'll handle the logistics and arrange for its collection.
  3. Your liner waste is recycled and transformed into new materials, which are then utilized in the creation of paper or plastic products, along with other innovative solutions.

Learn more about our RafCycle Partner Program in the U.S. and Canada

 

Download our Guide to recycling label waste with RafCycle

 

  Credible data for CO2 analysis

 

Paper recycling in Americas

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton liner recycled, 70% via paper-to-paper recycling and 30% via paper-to-insulation material recycling. For exclusive use by UPM Raflatac. 

PET recycling in Americas

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton PET liner recycled via mechanical recycling. For exclusive use by UPM Raflatac.
 

RafCycle is label release liner recycling at its easiest. Keep your release PET or paper liner waste in the circular economy by diverting it from incineration or landfill.

 

Three easy steps for release liner recycling​

  1. Collect your label release liner waste in the specified quantity. Ensure it is free from contaminants such as labels, adhesives, foreign plastics, cardboard, and cores.
  2. Once you've amassed the agreed-upon amount of waste, simply notify us. We'll handle the logistics and arrange for its collection.
  3. Your liner waste is recycled and transformed into new materials, which are then utilized in the creation of paper or plastic products, along with other innovative solutions.
 

Download our Guide to recycling label waste with RafCycle

 

  Credible data for CO2 analysis

 

Paper recycling in Europe

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton liner recycled, 50% via paper-to-paper recycling and 50% via paper-to-insulation material recycling. For exclusive use by UPM Raflatac.

PET recycling in Europe

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton PET liner recycled via mechanical recycling. For exclusive use by UPM Raflatac. 
 

RafCycle is label release liner recycling at its easiest. Keep your release liner waste in the circular economy by diverting it from incineration or landfill.

 

Three easy steps for release liner recycling​

  1. Collect your label release liner waste in the specified quantity. Ensure it is free from contaminants such as labels, adhesives, foreign plastics, cardboard, and cores.
  2. Once you've amassed the agreed-upon amount of waste, simply notify us. We'll handle the logistics and arrange for its collection.
  3. Your liner waste is recycled and transformed into new materials, which are then utilized in the creation of paper or plastic products, along with other innovative solutions.
 

Download our Guide to recycling label waste with RafCycle

 
 
 

Recognition for RafCycle – the original release liner recycling service

PIDA Recognition for RafCycle

Silver Award - Sustainable Packaging Design of the Year 2023

Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards

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WORLDSTAR Recognition for RafCycle

Worldstar 2024 Winner

Packaging Materials and Components category, Global Packaging Awards by World Packaging Organization (WPO)

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SPC Innovator Award

2024 SPC Innovator Award Winner

Innovation in a Recovery Technology or Practice category, Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

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News and stories

Forging a Sustainable Path: UPM Raflatac and Sustana Join Forces to Drive Circular Solutions
Story | 07/18/2024 09:30:07 | 3 min

Forging a Sustainable Path: UPM Raflatac and Sustana Join Forces to Drive Circular Solutions

Read more
RafCycle: a circular solution for recycling label liner waste
Story | 07/01/2024 06:47:41 | 2 min

RafCycle: a circular solution for recycling label liner waste

Read more
RafCycle™ by UPM Raflatac recycling service leads the way with DEKRA validated CO2 calculation method
News | 06/27/2024 10:00:00 | 3 min

RafCycle™ by UPM Raflatac recycling service leads the way with DEKRA validated CO2 calculation method

Read more
UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle™ recycling service wins WorldStar 2024 Award at WPO’s Global Packaging Awards
News | 02/06/2024 09:00:00 | 3 min

UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle™ recycling service wins WorldStar 2024 Award at WPO’s Global Packaging Awards

Read more